figs: rotting before ripening

I've just moved to a home in Portland with about 4 huge fig trees in the yard. I'm excited about harvesting the fruit, drying, preserving etc. However, I've noticed that, at least on the first tree that's fruiting, the figs are rotting on the branch before they ripen. The skins stay green and tough and then develop rotting spots. If I harvest them while still green, they will rot inside the house as well. Any ideas what might cause this and how I could fix it?
Thanks!

Call your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent to see what type of fungus disease is affecting fig trees in your area and get recommendations for treatment and prevention of the disease in the future. While you are at it, ask the Agent to send you information on growing figs in your area. The Agent is a wonderful source for free gardening info.